Swys reveals his hand for WXV opener

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ayanda Malinga will make a return to the Test arena for the first time since 2022.

She was on the left wing for the South African women’s opening match of WXV 2 against Japan at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on Friday.

Malinga last played a Test for her country in August 2022 – when she scored a brace against Spain at Ellis Park, before continuing her international career with the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad, playing at the 2022 World Cup Sevens in Cape Town and HSBC SVNS in 2023/24.

Coach Swys de Bruin made two changes to the starting team that outplayed Spain last Thursday at the same venue.

Malinga came in for the injured Shaunique Hess, and experienced prop Babalwa Latsha swapped jerseys with Azisa Mkiva, who will start on the bench this time around.

De Bruin also named Micke Gunter, Anathi Qolo and Unam Tose on a bench featuring six forwards, with Tose and Zintle Mpupha the only backs among the replacements.

According to De Bruin, their tactics for the match and the type of opposition expected from Japan played a role in team selection, but he said there is a wider objective as well.

“The mindset is around preparing for the World Cup next year, so these are all building blocks towards that,” said De Bruin.

“Having said that, we want to do well in this tournament and improve our world ranking.

“All three of our opponents are ranked higher than we are, so it will be a nice challenge.

“For this game against Japan, we put certain plans in place, but the bottom line is that we need a result as well.”

They expect a fast-paced game from Japan, said De Bruin.

“Japan plays a fast game, they apply a lot of pressure defensively and chop your legs, so we need to overcome that.

“We will have to suffocate them and make sure we control the tempo and territory.”

De Bruin said there is a positive mindset amongst the coaching staff and the players.

“The coaches are very keen to get going and have a nervous excitement of what is to come,” he said.

“We have played against the Barbarians and Spain which delivered positive results, but now is the time to shine for us.”

De Bruin feels that the home support and knowledge of the conditions will benefit South Africa.

“The fact that we have played at the venue twice now will help, especially with the wind.

“Against Spain it was really strong and swirling and our players will be able to cope with that if it happens again.

“The players also loved the crowds who came in and responded well to that support.”

South Africa: 15 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Nadine Roos, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Vainah Ubisi, 4 Nolusindiso Booi, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Azisa Mkiva, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Catha Jacobs, 21 Anathi Qolo, 22 Unam Tose, 23 Zintle Mpupha.

Date: Friday, September 27
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 16.00 (23.00 Japan time; 14.00 GMT)
Referee: Maria Latos (Germany)
Assistant referees: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe), Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)